Regime expands security checkpoints in Mindon villages

By Admin 16 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 May 2026, Mindon, Magway Region

Regime forces have firmly established bases and are increasing the number of operational checkpoints in Pyaung and Thaphanyaung villages in the western part of Mindon Township, Magway Region, which borders the Arakan mountain range, according to local sources.

Ground sources stated that regime forces have been stationed in these villages since May 11 and are conducting interrogations of local residents.

The regime forces gathered elderly residents from Pyaung and Thaphanyaung villages to form a coordination and liaison committee, using this as a pretext to set up camp in the villages.

"Unlike in the past, they aren't burning down villages or killing people this time. Now, they are using a softer approach. Regime officers are trying to win people over by telling them that they will distribute gasoline to residents, refill fuel for phone towers to ensure good communication, and promise not to cut off electricity at all," said a man familiar with the ground situation.

In January 2026, regime forces launched a military column into nearly six villages in the western part of Mindon Township bordering the Arakan mountain range, burning and destroying property, which forced thousands of residents to flee.

On March 1, 2026, the regime also carried out an airstrike on Pyaung Village, killing at least 25 people, including Arakanese merchants and local travelers, and injuring more than 20 others.

Furthermore, on March 12, regime forces raided Thaphanyaung Village and detained a man from Arakan State who was working at a local barber shop, along with another individual.

The detained men, one aged over 40 and the other around 35, have since been released by the regime.

"Regime forces marched into Thaphanyaung Village and arrested a man from Arakan State who had relocated here for work. Another person was also arrested. They were released later," a local resident said.

The regime is triggering clashes and blocking trade routes in Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, all of which border Arakan State.

Facing military defeats nationwide, the regime is utilizing its army, navy, and air force to launch heavy offensives to reclaim lost territories, while simultaneously offering peace talks to ethnic armed groups and people's defence forces.